What is the primary function of a Fire Department Connection (FDC)?

The primary function of a Fire Department Connection (FDC) is to provide a means for firefighters to access a reliable water supply for their equipment during firefighting operations. This connection allows fire department personnel to quickly connect hoses from their apparatus or pumper trucks to a water source, which is crucial during emergency situations when immediate water access is needed for effective fire suppression.

FDCs are strategically placed at a location that is easily accessible to fire units, ensuring that they can promptly supply water to standpipes or sprinkler systems within a building. This access can make a significant difference in effectively controlling and extinguishing a fire, especially in large structures or high-rise buildings where water pressure from the municipal supply may be inadequate.

In contrast, other options do not accurately reflect the role of an FDC. For instance, while connecting pumps for water supply could be integral to firefighting operations, this description does not capture the primary purpose of the FDC. Similarly, a fire alert system and monitoring water pressure serve different functions that do not relate directly to the primary role of providing an immediate source of water for firefighting efforts.